Colònia Güell and Gaudí’s crypt: an unexpected discovery
Colònia Güell dates from the beginning of the 20th Century and is located in the commune of Santa Coloma de Cervelló on the outskirts of Barcelona. If you want to get off the beaten track then this is definitely a visit to include in your itinerary!
- Get ready for a very pleasant escape from the city!
What is Colònia Güell?
Colònia Güell is a worker’s town that was created through the collaboration of business man Eusebi Güell and genius architect Antoni Gaudí, two exceptional people who left a permanent mark on Barcelona’s architecture.
This project in social and artistic innovation differs from other industrial towns of the time in the founders’ desire to improve the working and living condition of the workers, and their desire to integrate a modernist architectural thread through the colony.
- Not to be missed is the crypt, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece where he experimented with original architectural techniques before beginning the creation of the Sagrada Familia.
Colònia Güell: a trip off the beaten track
- First stop: carrer Claudi Güell, where the ticket office is located in the old colony cooperative. There you will be given the didactic tools you need to appreciate the Colònia Guell in its entirety.
The audio guide included in your entry fee is fairly concise. But although it doesn’t offer tonnes of information on the colony it does prevent you accidentally by-passing the most important parts of the site.
Here you won’t have to elbow your way through hordes of tourists, especially if you happen to visit on a Sunday in Winter as we did. At the Colònia Güell, you can discover at your own pace a host of original and little known architectural delights.
Gaudí’s crypt: an unfinished wonder
We happened to be alone when we visited the crypt, which only made the visit more impactful and delightful.
Everything here breathes Gaudí: the surprising shell font, the brightly coloured stained glass windows, the magnificent benches in waved lines and the leaning pillars in the shape of palm trees.
In this magical and organic world that is typical of the artist, the atmosphere is peaceful and reverent.
- In case you hadn’t realised we fell a little bit in love with this unfinished crypt.
Useful information
Colònia Güell prices
- Ticket price includes the colony, the crypt and an audio guide.
Standard price:
9.5 euros
Reduced price (seniors): 7.50 euros
- If you are coming by car there is free parking at the entrance to the colony and it’s just a short walk to the ticket office.
- If you arrive by train, you will have to walk a little further to get to the entrance but the route is clearly marked.
Colònia Güell Opening times
From November 1st to April 30th:
Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 10am to 3pm
From May 1st to October 31st:
Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 10am to 3pm
Colònia Güell is closed from the 1st to the 6th of January, Sunday the 20th of March, Friday the 25th of March and the 25th and 26th of December.
